newjerseynewsroom.com

BY JERRY MILANI

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

After one of the mildest winters in years, Tuesday's turn of spring may seem less symbolic of a change of seasons than usual.  But for runners across the state, the equinox offers a convenient occasion to begin training for the New Jersey Marathon and associated events, May 5-6 at the Jersey Shore.

The centerpiece of the weekend is the New Jersey Marathon on Sunday, May 6 – a full 26.2-mile race which begins at Monmouth Park in Oceanport and meanders through eight New Jersey shore towns, including Monmouth Beach, Deal, Allenhurst, Lock Aurbor, Asbury Park and Ocean Grove before reaching the finish line on the Long Branch Promenade (north of Pier Village and the Ocean Place Resort & Spa).  The USAT&F certified Full Marathon will start at 8 a.m., and the first corral of the Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay is scheduled to start at 6:50 a.m.

Saturday, May 5, events include a 3-Mile "Fun" Run / Walk and "Kids" 1.2-Mile Marathon.  From Friday through Sunday, participants and fans can also visit the Health & Fitness Expo at Monmouth Park.

“Last year we had more than 11,000 runners and wheelchair athletes of all ages and we're tracking even higher this year,” said Joe Gigas, race director.  “The New Jersey Marathon's continuous single loop, flat, fast course is a big hit with runners, and the scenery can't be beat.  Thousands will enjoy the many family activities, which include a free Expo on Friday and Saturday, and thousands more will line the streets to cheer on all the participants on Sunday.  It's a whole weekend of fun and fitness for everyone.”

Registration for all events, course views, information about volunteering and sponsorship and details of the entire weekend of activities and more are available at the race Website at www.NJMarathon.org.

Oz Pearlman, a 28 year old professional magician from Manhattan, and Bronawyn O’Leary, 35, a teacher from Cliffwood Beach, N.J., set personal bests in winning the men’s and women’s divisions of the 15th New Jersey Marathon last year.  Pearlman ran a course record of 2:28.19 in winning the race for the second time (he won in 2008 as well), while O’Leary ran 3:02.22 to place first for the first time in her racing career.

The New Jersey Marathon, in partnership with Move For Hunger, will be conducting a food drive during the Expo.  There will be collection bins and staff, available to collect your generous donations, and distribute them to the local food banks.  Many other charities also use the event as a major fundraising opportunity.

2012 New Jersey Marathon at the Shore: Schedule of Events

Friday, May 4

1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Health & Fitness Expo, Monmouth Park, 175 Oceanport Ave., Oceanport, NJ 07757

Saturday, May 5 (Long Branch Oceanfront Promenade – North of Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ 07740)

8:30 a.m. - noon Family Running Events and Mini Fair- races include:

8:30 a.m. 3-Mile "Fun" Run / Walk

9 a.m. “Fun Bus” Fitness Fun on Wheels for Ages 2-8

9:30 a.m. "Kids" 1.2-Mile Marathon

10:30 a.m. Kids' Races

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Health & Fitness Expo, Monmouth Park, 175 Oceanport Ave., Oceanport, NJ 07757

Sunday, May 6

6:50 a.m.  Long Branch Half Marathon and Half-Marathon Relay wheelchair start, followed in waves by the rest of the field, Monmouth Park at 175 Oceanport Ave., Oceanport, NJ 07757.

8 a.m. The New Jersey Marathon wheelchair start, followed in waves by the rest of the field, Monmouth Park, 175 Oceanport Ave., Oceanport, NJ 07757.